Standing up for what is right: Community events bring residents together in unity

If the recent spate of shootings in Goldsboro and Wayne County has an upside it might be that people of all races and ages are coming together in a show of unity against crime.

On Saturday, a Community Cares event was held at Lincoln Homes to show residents that the majority of people living there do not condone violence and want to live in harmony with law enforcement and each other.

Other such events have popped up across the county as a way for the average citizen to show his or her support for law enforcement. In Mount Olive on Friday there was prayer vigil for law enforcement officers that packed the town hall there with residents who prayed for the men and women who have dedicated themselves to protecting the public. The gathering was made up of people of all colors and ages.

The Rev. Hobert Yates offered a powerful prayer at the Mount Olive event. Afterward, he said that we often forget that most people are kind and understanding and want to live in peace with one another, despite differences in race.

"I think the first thing we need to do is to recognize other people's differences and not let that be a challenge to us," he said.

Amen.

In this atmosphere of violence and fear it is good to know that there are still plenty of good people in this world who are willing to stand up for what is right.

Published in Editorials on August 9, 2016 11:26 AM